Potentially stupid Parkrun question

[abigettinghealthy]

Is there usually a place to leave bags at parkrun? I really want to start going but I'm in London and my nearest is 30-45 minutes away which means going will involve taking not only my normal keys and phone but also my Oyster card and probably a jumper as well for getting home afterwards, not all of which I really want to carry on a run!

[MarkyD Graduate]

Hi Abi, glad to hear that you are going to parkrun. There are no stupid questions on this forum. Very occasionally stupid answers, but never a stupid question.

I can't speak for ALL parkruns, but I'm sure that there will be somewhere to leave your bag during parkrun. Many people run, cycle or walk to parkrun, and then strip down to shorts and vest for the run. So there will be bags and coats and belongings all over the place. At my local parkrun, we have a large groundsheet and everything gets put onto that.

Of course, there is no security or anyone tasked to keep an eye on the belongings, so make sure that you have your phone, keys and wallet in a bum-bag or with you whilst you run. parkrun is a very friendly, co-operative place but just use your common sense.

[davelinks Graduate]

Yes, ask the volunteers at the start,or see where others are leaving thier stuff, but you don't want to be leaving valuables in the bag unless you can secure it well, I think the risk of theft is low at Parkrun, but you never know. Have you not got a pocket in your leggings or shorts to put key & card?

[MrNiceGuy]

Hello Abi. Your question isn't silly at all; in fact it's incredibly valid.

In the absence of places to store valuables, consider a running belt (available on Amazon), as they provide ample space to securely store belongings around your waist as you run.

I have one for when I perform beach runs, as they allow me to keep my phone and car keys on me while I run along the shoreline.

From memory, I paid around £7 for mine a couple of years ago

[abigettinghealthy]

Thanks everyone - you've calmed my nerves! Wish me luck

[MarkyD Graduate in reply to abigettinghealthy]

Hope that it goes well & let us know how you got on 😀

[abigettinghealthy in reply to MarkyD]

Completed in 37:12 and I ran all except the end of a very unpleasant hill right before the end! I'm pleased with that for a first time effort

[MarkyD Graduate in reply to abigettinghealthy]

Well done! Trust that you were able to leave your belongings somewhere!

Lovely way to start the weekend, isn't it?